On 18. II in the afternoon I spoke with Kharkov. I heard Kharkov (but worse than last time: there were disturbances), but they did not hear me in Kharkov.

On 18. II at 11-12 o'clock at night I called comrade Nikolayev and demanded that the telephone be repaired (or the receiver replaced) by 12 o'clock on 19. II, because I need to speak today.

Today, 19. II, 11:45 in the morning, the technician still has not arrived!

For such absolute negligence displayed in a small, but important matter, I hereby issue
comrade Vollenberg
a reprimand, with a warning that the next time
I shall bring the matter to court.

I demand the appointment of a responsible supervisor for my telephone. Inform me of the name, address, and telephone number of this supervisor and send him to me personally.

Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

First published in 1933

in Lenin Miscellany XXIV

Printed from the manuscript